Hike report - 2014

In November 2013 it was decided that the 2014 hike would take place between the 13^th and 16^th February, in North Wales, our first visit to the Principality since 2005. Accommodation was booked at the Berwyn Guest House in Rhyl and the hike routes were planned.

Eight of us had confirmed that we would be there while Peter had decided he would drive over from Cheshire and join us for one of the evening meals.

From Christmas into January the weather had become very bad with there being a number of storms and severe rain. This resulted in there being some concern about what the conditions would be like for the hike – but we had experienced bad weather before and there was no question about whether it would go ahead or not.

However, at the end of January the storms returned with vengeance, causing us to keep a much closer eye on the weather forecasts for North Wales. In the meantime there were a couple of drop-outs, including Laurie, who had to deal with a large fallen tree in his garden.

On the 11^th Feb the following report appeared on BBC Wales – Snowfall early on Tuesday has affected travel around some parts of Wales, with heavy rain and coastal gales forecast in the next 24 hours. Some roads are blocked by water and snow, and fire crews are dealing with several flooding incidents. A yellow “be aware” warning for snow has …….

And, on the 12^th the following appeared – … Storm force winds have left 45,000 homes without power across North and Mid-West Wales as the violent weather causes disruption across the region. Wind speeds …… Storm damage across North Wales…….

On the same day (Wednesday), Geoff telephoned his sister who lives in the area. She said that the weather has been atrocious. She had lost power, had a tree fall down, and the fields were waterlogged. Her neighbouring farmer had been out on the hills checking the sheep and said that the wet grass and mud was like walking on ice.

After some consultation between Geoff and Graham it was decided that it would be best if the hike did not take place. The B&B were very understanding and did not even charge us a cancellation fee. They were however pleased to learn that we would use them in 2015.

In view of this unprecedented decision it is probably worth noting the following two reports about the weather that appeared later in the month. The first relates specifically to the storms:

Winter storms, January to February 2014

The UK experienced a spell of extreme weather from late January to mid-February as a succession of major storms brought widespread impacts and damage to the UK. 

 

Around 6 major storms hit through this period, separated by intervals of 2 to 3 days. The sequence of storms followed an earlier stormy period from Winter storms, December 2013 to January 2014. Taken individually, the first two storms were notable but not exceptional for the winter period. However, the later storms from early to mid-February were much more severe. Overall, the period from mid-December 2013 to mid-February 2014 saw at least 12 major winter storms, and, when considered overall, this was the stormiest period of weather the UK has experienced for at least 20 years. 

The second is accompanied by a map and relates specifically to the rainfall in Wales:

The whole of February was unsettled, with a succession of major winter storms bringing strong to gale-force winds particularly in the first half of the month and some large rainfall accumulations. There were relatively few dry days through the month, but it was mild, with some improvement in the weather towards the end of the month.

 

The mean temperature was 1.5 °C above the 1981-2010 average. It was the third wettest February for Wales in a series from 1910 with 218% of average rainfall.

Following the cancellation Graham suggested an alternative activity with everyone getting together on the Sunday (16^th) to spend a day in the Chilterns.

Malcolm, Drew and Laurie, who presumably wanted a break from dealing with his fallen tree, agreed to join him. However, on the day, the train Laurie was to catch was cancelled and he missed out.

Although there is no official report of their walk, with no points being awarded, the following details can be provided:

After meeting at Tring Station they did an afternoon clockwise circular route via Albury Nowers, Ivinghoe Beacon, the highest point reached on the day, and Ashridge Monument where they stopped in the café for refreshments.

Apparently it was a beautiful day and they “nearly had to queue to get to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon!”